On This Date In Raiders History: Raiders Defeat Oilers In Wild Card Round

The Raiders welcomed the Houston Oilers on Wild Card weekend for a chance to advance to the divisional playoffs. the Raiders ended the season 11-5 and earned a home game for the first round.

Quarterback Jim Plunkett threw for two touchdowns to lead the team in a 27-7 victory. He found Arthur Wittington and Todd Christensen for scores of 44 and one yard, respectively. Plunkett finished with 168 yards, while Wittington finished as the top receiver with two catches for 64 yards and the score. Running back Kenny King led the ground game with 55 yards on 13 carries. Mark van Eeghen added 44 yards of his own.

On defense, Lester Hayes punctuated the victory with a interception returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. It was his second interception of the day. The defense allowed just one touchdown to help the Raiders into the divisional round.

That season, the Raiders went on to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.